***Hyperion Empire***

***Soltain City***

"Give me my baby right now Jacob, I can smell you from all the way over here and I'm sure that's why he's really crying."

"He's crying because he was just born Madam. I think you should get some rest."

"Not a word from you Mary. Although it's been a while, that was much easier the second time around and I'm feeling fine. Now again, Jacob give me my baby right now. Do not make me get myself up and come to you."

The blond-haired brown-eyed man, looking completely frazzled from recent events, just nodded. Carrying a newborn not even reaching the length of his forearm, he slowly but carefully stalked over to the bed where his wife lay.

"I don't know what you mean when you say I smell. You would think you realize you smell with the blood all over your sheets." The tall man replied as he carefully handed over the infant newborn.

The raven-haired women ignored him. Diverting all her attention to her newborn son and putting him as close to her chest without hurting him.

“There, there.... Look at my beautiful baby boy….” she cooed as the child started to settle down in the warmth and comfort of her embrace. Her bright emerald eyes filled with love as she stared down at her healthy infant son.

As if realizing he was being stared at, the infant slowly opened his ocean blue eyes to examine his surroundings. Registering new colors and figures the infant turned his head as much as he could before reaching his limit. Having reached his limit, he turned his attention to the figure holding him, specifically the green orbs which were examining him.

“It seems he also inherited dad’s eye coloring.” said Jacob as he watched the infant move around in his mother's embrace.

“I am sure he will be happy to see that. Where is he by the way? And where is Skylar? You think she might want to be here for the birth of her younger brother.”

“Madam it appears two days ago one of the port towns were raided by the Barbarians hailing from the islands up North. The General insisted I do not tell you or the Lord until you safely gave birth to his new grandchild. Lady Skylar also wished to join her grandfather, stating she was ‘tired of savages overstepping their bounds.’” replied the only redhead in the room. She appeared to be in her early thirties and was dressed in a rather elegant long-sleeve maid uniform.

The blond man now looked more agitated over anything else. “Skylar is only nine! She is only getting more and more difficult and she hasn’t even hit puberty yet! Why would dad even agree to take her?”

Mary seemed to have expected the question. She immediately stated, “I also questioned the General on why he would take Lady Skylar and he just said ‘she needed real experience.’”

Lord Jacob Soltain bolted out the door and looked for his nearest subordinate, “You there! Summon the Second Sky Corps and have them ready to depart at my command!”

The guard looked at his lord seemingly processing his new order and instinctively replied, “Yes, my Lord.”

“Jacob calm down I am sure Skylar is fine. She is with your father of all people and Goddess knows he’s saved our lives on multiple counts.” stated the raven-haired woman in a rather matter of fact tone.

“I am going to strangle him! It’s not like he’s taking MY daughter on some simple hunting trip! He actually brought her to the battlefield!”

“Jacob why are you acting like some overly emotional twit? OUR daughter is going to be just fine and I think a little time away from her studies will do her good. She’ll have to begin her time at the Imperial Academy in a few months anyway.”

During the length of the conversation taking place, the same guard previously ordered returned to the entrance of the bed chamber.

“Milord, it appears both the Second and Third Sky Corps accompanied the General to the northern coast. Although, our sentries have spotted friendly Griffin riders carrying the banners of said corps returning to the city.”

“Did they see my father?”

“Yes milord, General Soltain was seen leading the contingent on it’s return.”

“And my daughter?”

“With the General.”

“Good. I’ll be sure to punish them both.”

***Skies of Soltain Province***

~~~Skylar Soltain POV~~~

“Grandpa that was so much fun! Your Griffin is so cool! When will I get one? I want to be able to fly around and pick up and drop savages like you do!” I looked up behind me at the man with the same color hair and eyes as me. Although, I can see some off the blond losing its shine.

“Girl if I was still the House Head I would have arranged your meeting with the Griffin chieftain long ago. But you know how your dad get’s, very protective. He no doubt will be angry when he learns I took you on this little trip.” replied the older man.

“But I really want one! When did you get your Griffin grandpa?”

“Back when I was your age Soltain was it’s own kingdom and not part of the Empire. With the barbarians from the North, the Kumio House in the South, and looming pressure from House Fafnir east of us, we were always on the battlefield. I believe I contracted with Atthis here when I was six years of age.”

“Six!? I am nine! Grandpa help me out here! Please!”

“Well aren’t you getting ready to head to the academy soon? You and I both know your father dotes on you immensely. Just turn on that noble side of your personality ingrained through your mother, and argue that a griffin partner will help you remain safe while you're away from home. He may not budge immediately but I am willing to bet he’ll grant your request before you leave.”

I sat contemplating my Grandpa’s words for a bit. Still reveling in the feeling of being so high in the sky. I loved it when the cold wind moved through my hair and passed my body. I belong up here, and I need a griffin partner to get here.

And then it hit me, we completely forgot about mom.

“Grandpa?”

“Hmm?”

“Do you think mom has my new brother or sister yet?”

“Hahaha… I am sure we made it back in time. Your mother seemed to be fine when we left.”

“Okay.”

Grandpa was usually right about most things. But I couldn’t shake this feeling I am missing something important.

“It appears we’ve arrived.”

Grandpa’s griffin Atthis landed in the Castle courtyard. I watched as the other griffin’s that were following us continued flying overhead heading to the western part of the city.

It was unusually quiet in the courtyard. I can see maids and guards running about the castle but no one seemed to be talking.

“Skylar Arabella Soltain! You are grounded!”

I turned to face my easily recognizable father. He looked to be just as frazzled as he was when we left and his face is red.

“Dad I-” I was interrupted before I even got three words out.

“You left the castle without my permission! And to the coastal villages to fight barbarians no less! If you mother didn’t give birth to my son I would o-” This time it was my father’s turn to get interrupted.

Grandpa and I yelled at the same time, “SophiaMOM gave birth?!”

“I have a little brother!?”

“Yes just a bit ag-” Grandpa and I charged past dad and he seemed to fall over. He must be really tired.

We ran up one of the many staircases in the castle and headed straight towards my parents bedchambers. Once inside, I noticed my mother lying on the bed with my baby brother in her arms.

She didn’t even take a moment to look up at us. She just kept her focus on the little infant. As did I.

I slowly walked up to the side of the bed.

“Welcome back Skylar, I must admit you dug yourself quite a grave this time. Leaving while your father is in such an exasperated state.” My mother stated without even moving her gaze.

“Hello mother, you look and seem much better than father.”

“Yes he seems to be very stressed for some reason. No doubt partly due to your most recent decisions. You do tend to stress him. No doubt your future suitors will courting death upon crossing his path.”

I ignored that last comment. The baby in my mother’s arms was now sleeping soundly.

“Can I hold him?” I asked quietly.

My mother now looked up towards me and smiled.

“You may, but please try to not drop him. I am sure that would send your father over the edge.”

As if on cue, dad walked in and leaned against the wall besides my mother's bed.

I took the baby into my arms and held closely against my chest. He remained unperturbed by the sudden body change and remained asleep. I looked at him closely. Patches of dirty blond hair and pretty red skin at the moment. He was so small.

And so cute.

This was my little brother. My new family.

I am going to do whatever it takes to keep you safe.

My grandpa suddenly spoke up. Barely audible, but everyone in the room heard his words.

“What’s his name?”

Father remained quiet. Now that I think about it I never even heard my parents mention baby names. My mother chimed in.

“I was thinking about naming him after you Max. Jacob and I both owe you our lives and I can’t think of a better man to name my son after.”

“I agree with Sophia. Although I find myself kind of insulted about her phrasing, naming our son after you will give him some big shoes to fill.”

“Oh you shush now, were both clearly tired but I’m glad we can agree on his name.”

My grandpa was shocked, “Your naming him after me? Are you sure you want to do that? I might have saved your lives in the past but you're my son and daughter in law. That is my duty. I don’t know if I make the best role model.”

My father just grunted and mom and I ignored my grandpa’s protests, I looked down at my little brother in my arms and whispered:

“Welcome to the world Maximus.”